Is NY or NJ better to invest as first property?

[Julia Sung]

Hi Bigger Pockets members.

I am a first time real estate investor who is looking to invest in NJ or NY (within 1 hour ride to Manhattan).

My budget is max $500,000.

Which town would you recommend to look into for an investment property?

Also, any tips you can give in terms of finding a website where I can do more research about investment worthy neighborhoods?

Looking forward to your tips!

Thanks,

[Darren Sager]

My personal opinion is that no first time investor should consider Newark as it has some of the strongest language with rent control that I've ever read.  Unless you have serious systems in place you can easily get burned there.  Regardless of crime @Julia Sung.   As a first time investor you should chase easy & low maintenance for a good experience to build upon, not higher returns.  If you chase high returns and you're not set up properly for them, bad things can happen which effect those returns.   Just my 2 cents.  

As for which state overall is better? Personally I lean towards NJ as NY has put into effect state wide rent control. And I personally believe that NJ is a bit more landlord friendly, however not by much.